Carbon monoxide can be deadly - it kills more than 400 people and puts more than 20,000 in the hospital each year. Many of those deaths occur during the winter months.The gas is odorless and colorless, which makes it difficult to detect.CO is produced by gas generators, fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills, gas heaters and furnaces, and kerosene heaters.To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning: - Install alarms in every level of your home and outside bedrooms. - Have a professional inspect and service heating systems and all fuel-burning appliances in your home each year. - Make sure fuel-burning space heaters have an oxygen depletion sensor. - Place generators outside at least 20 feet away from your home when using. - Test carbon monoxide alarms once a month to make sure they work. - Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. - If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, and call 911.

Carbon monoxide can be deadly - it kills more than 400 people and puts more than 20,000 in the hospital each year. Many of those deaths occur during the winter months.